A Scandinavian Grand Tour: Exploring Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo by Train

Traveling through the picturesque capitals of Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo can be a thrilling adventure, but fitting it all into a week might seem daunting. Is it possible to visit all three Scandinavian capitals by train within a week and still see enough to say you have been there? Let's explore the feasibility and options for this ambitious journey.

Is a Week Enough?

A far too large percentage of that week would just be spent sitting on a train. While it might be possible, it is not the best strategy for a memorable journey. If time is tight, it is advisable to concentrate on one city or even make it a two-week trip. This would allow you to scratch the surface of what each city has to offer, albeit with a significant amount of time on trains.

However, the possibility does exist! If you plan your journey carefully, you can visit all three capitals by train within a week. The route involves starting in Copenhagen, proceeding to Stockholm, and finishing in Oslo, with both train journeys taking approximately 55 hours each. This itinerary is both feasible and exciting.

A Personal Experience

I did this a while ago, back in 2011, traveling with a like-minded group. We arrived in Copenhagen by train from Berlin. After staying two nights, we made our way to Stockholm via train and the Oresund link for two more nights, and our final destination was Oslo, where we spent three nights. Knowing the tour itinerary and how much time we had, we planned our activities meticulously, ensuring we saw as much as possible that was of interest to us within the available time.

Of course, much more time could be spent in each capital as they have much to offer beyond what one's interests lie. Therefore, if you have the time and inclination, you could explore each city in greater depth, discovering more of their cultural and historical treasures.

Alternatives to Train Travel

While the train journey is a scenic and exciting part of the trip, flying could be a more practical option. The ticket prices for planes will not be significantly higher than for trains, and you will reach the four capitals within an hour or two. You would, however, have to add hotel charges to the cost. Alternatively, if you enjoy long journeys, using night trains and boats from Helsinki to Stockholm could be a relaxing and budget-friendly option, allowing you to save on hotel bills. April to May is recommended for travel as the weather is milder, making it a pleasant time to explore the cities.

Scandinavian City Insights

Each of these cities has much to offer, but is a week sufficient to see it all? Absolutely, but I would recommend flying as a more practical option. However, if you are a train enthusiast, the journey itself can be part of the adventure. Furthermore, a short stay in each city can leave you wanting more, making you curious to return and explore further.

For example, flying is out of the question or not, you should definitely take the ferry between Helsinki and Stockholm, as the journey is much more relaxing and allows you to see the Stockholm archipelago. The train journey would require changing trains at least twice, which could detract from the relaxation and scenic views.

Geographical and Cultural Context

It is worth noting that the terms used to describe the regions in Scandinavia and surrounding areas can be confusing. The Scandinavian Peninsula refers to Sweden and Norway, and the term is used purely for geographical purposes. When talking about the cultural and geographical area of Scandinavia, it includes Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Fennoscandia includes the same countries as the Scandinavian Peninsula plus Finland and its autonomous regions. The Nordic Countries, on the other hand, include these countries as well as the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland. These terms are used both culturally and politically.

Regarding the Danish Kingdom, it is important to recognize that the Faroe Islands and Greenland are seen as separate entities within the kingdom, with the natives having a distinct identity. Calling them Danes might offend them, or at the very least, they might smile at your ignorance. The status of the Faroe Islands and Greenland is legally recognized, and in Sweden, at least, they are not considered to be part of Finland.

To sum up, a week’s visit to Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo is possible by train, but flying is a practical alternative. Each city has a wealth of cultural and historical treasures to offer, and even a short stay can leave one wanting more. The geographical and cultural context of the region adds depth to the journey, making it a vibrant and diverse experience.